SpaceX Prepares for Fifth Starship Flight Test on October 13, Pending FAA Approval

Oct 9, 2024, 12:00 PM

SpaceX is preparing for its fifth Starship flight test, potentially launching on October 13, 2024, from Boca Chica, TX, pending regulatory approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The test will involve Starship 30 and Booster 12, with a significant milestone being the attempt to catch the Super Heavy booster using the tower's 'chopsticks'. SpaceX's previous booster landing on October 7, 2024, achieved a remarkable half-centimeter accuracy, boosting confidence for this catch attempt. The Flight Termination System is being installed as a pre-launch milestone. The FAA has yet to finalize the license, but there is optimism for approval by Sunday. The launch window is scheduled from 7:00 a.m. to 8:07 a.m. CDT.